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HER DEAREST FRIEND. 



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HER DEAREST FRIEND 



HER DEAREST 
FRIEND 



By 

ROSEMARY REES 



Copyright, 1910, by Samuel French, Ltd 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

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gCl.D 22619 



HER DEAREST FRIEND 

Produced at the Coronet Theatre, London, by Mr. Percy- 
Hutchison, on February 4th, 1907, with the following cast : — 

Molly Anstruther . Miss Violet Ley 
Ursula Hammond . Miss Annie Stallman 
Robert Menteth . Mr. Drew Mackintosh 



Any make-up articles or wigs used in the perform- 
ance of "Her Dearest Friend" may be hired or 
purchased reasonably from Messrs. C. H. Fox, Ltd., 
27, Wellington Street, Strand, London. 



SCENE PLOT 



£J Chair 



Piano 



Door 

L 



n 

Stool 



Door 



Fire 



Chairs and Table 

n 

nnn 



Sofa 



n* 



Chair 



HER DEAREST FRIEND 

Scene. — Poorly furnished sitting-room in Molly 
Anstruther's fiat. Art muslin curtains, muslin- 
covered packing-case for holding cups and saucers, 
etc. Shabby sofa, cottage piano. 

Time. — The present, Autumn. Afternoon. 

As the curtain rises Molly is discovered standing on 
table nailing up curtains at window. She is girlish 
and pretty and dressed simply but becomingly. 
Ursula is lying on the couch by the fire smoking a 
cigarette. She is dowdily dressed and is very plain, 
wears eye-glasses, her hair is strained tightly back, 
and she has a priggish, assertive air. 

Ursula. You don't know your world, my dear 
Fancy trusting anything that wears a frock-coat and 
hat. 

Molly. Bobby doesn't. He won't. That's one 
of the things he's so annoying over. 

Ursula. My dear Molly, all men are wrong 'tins. 

Molly. Well, Bobby's the exception, then. He 
isn't a wrong 'un. He's the dearest friend I have in 
the world except you, and I do so want you to know 
each other and be friends too. Oh, do like him, 
Ursula. 

Ursula. My dear child, when the strap-hangers 
cease from troubling and the Kaiser is at rest, you 
can expect me to make a friend of any man. 

Molly. Oh, I know you despise men because 
you're so much cleverer than most of them ; but do 
be nice to Bobby, just for my sake. 



8 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

Ursula. Why, Molly; T believe you're in love 
with him ! 

Molly (hammering violently). Indeed I'm not. 
(Hits her finger.) Oh, Fve ^hammered my finger. 

Ursula. How stupid- of you ! No, my dear, the 
only attributes which men possess and women don't 
are essentially those of the brute. 

Molly (still nursing her finger). They can hammer 
nails without hammering their fingers, though. 
That's rather talented of them. (Down to table.) 

Ursula. Don't talk " men " to me, please. 

Molly. But Bobby's different. He's just 

(Up to window, she puts some tacks in her mouth.) 
He's just Bobby. '", : .. 

Ursula. For goodness' sake, Molly, don't put 
things in your mouth. It's such a vulgar habit. 

Molly. Oh, I'm full of vulgar habits. (Up to 
window.) 

Ursula. You'll be full of tacks in a minute and 
that'll be worse. 

Molly. That certainly sounds more painful. 
But really you mustn't class Bobby with the ordinary 
average man. I don't quite know how to describe 
him, but he's the sort of man who'd be kind to a 
woman when she's ill. (Down to window.) 

Ursula. I know the kind. (Gets up from sofa. 
Crosses R., gets match for cigarette.) A good-to-his- 
mother sort of person. A man rather like a fish — 
with the bones out. A filleted-plaice young man. 
(Crosses R.) 

Molly. Ursula, you are horrid. He's not a bit 
like that. I do so want you two to be friends 
(Sits.) You know, ever since I can remember Bobby 
seems to have taken the place of all the usual rela- 
tives ordinary people have and I haven't. He's my 
sisters and my cousins and my aunts all rolled into 
one. 

Ursula (smoking). You'll end by marrying him, 
my dear. (Crosses back to sofa.) 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 9 

Molly (turning suddenly). Marrying him ! Haven't 
I sworn, like you, never to marry, but to live for 
literature ? (Tacks to table.) 

Ursula. My dear child, of course you'll marry, 
and you'll probably imagine you're happy. You 
haven't my highly-strung temperament. I decline 
to spend my life as a white slave feeding the brute. 
(Crosses.) I prefer to develop my own individuality. 
I'm not the marrying sort, but you'll marry, you'll 
probably marry your Bobby. 

Molly (tacks to mantelpiece). Marry Bobby ! 
Why, he's the last man on earth I'd dream of marry- 
ing. Marry a man who only cares for musical comedy, 
says picture galleries bore him, and never reads any- 
thing but Kipling. Oh, Ursula ! 

Ursula (with disgust). Kipling ! The prophet of 
the drunken and debased ! 

Molly (pulling chair down r.c). Oh, Ursula. 
Well, I must confess — don't be awfully shocked — I 
have a sort of sneaking regard for Kipling myself. 

Ursula. You read that disgusting man ! 

Molly (putting on table-cloth). Well, I did once to 
please Bobby, and— I'm afraid I rather liked it — I do 
try to please Bobby sometimes. He's always been 
so good to me, but I'm afraid I can't enthuse much 
over his East End work. 

Ursula. His East End work ? 

Molly (to fireplace). Yes, he loves collecting 
hordes of children from the Slums and giving them 
parties. He says he likes to hear them laugh. I'm 
always so busy wondering which would be the easiest 
way of getting them clean that I haven't time for 
anything else. I think the only way would be to boil 
them. 

Ursula. And the best way too, vile little beasts. 
The future thieves and murderers of the world. Ugh ! 
They ought to be got rid of somehow. (Rising.) 
Well, I must be off. 

Molly. You're not going ? 



10 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

Ursula. I must, my dear. I've got an article 
to finish, " The Sufferings of a Suffragette in Hollo- 
way." It must go in to-night. 

Molly. But I've asked Bobby to tea and I want 
you to meet him. Oh, you must stay. 

Ursula. It's half -past four now, I'm afraid I 
can't. 

Molly. Oh, Ursula, that is mean. Bobby ought 
to be here at any moment now. You must stay. 
(Crosses to Ursula.) Have one more cigarette and 
I'll make the tea at once. The kettle's nearly boiling. 

Ursula (seating once more and taking cigarette). 
Well, I'll stay five minutes, not a second longer. 

Molly. That's a good girl. (Pulls table over hole 
in carpet). I always have to manoeuvre my furniture 
when Bobby's coming. I get the table over that hole 
in the carpet and make the best I can of things 
generally. 

Ursula (sneeringly). Is he so very particular, 
then? 

Molly. No, but he's got such an uncomfortable 
habit of wanting to give me new carpets and things if 
my room looks shabby. (Butter.) 

Ursula (laughing sneeringly). I shouldn't think a 
poor stock-broker's clerk could afford much in the 
way of carpets. 

Molly. Oh, but Bobby isn't a clerk any more. 
He's a real live stock-broker. (Back of table. Flowers. ) 

Ursula. What do you mean ? 

Molly. Didn't I tell you about it ? Bobby came 
into his uncle's money some time ago. Oh dear, 
that'll be another thing to prejudice you against him, 
his money. You hate wealthy people, but Bobby isn't 
frightfully rich. It's not more than £1,500 a year. 
(Arranging flowers.) 

Ursula (gradually sits up). £1,500 a year ! 

Molly (putting out tea-cups). And what he makes. 

Ursula (rising still more). And what he makes. 

Molly. It does sound rather horridly opulent 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 11 

though, doesn't it ? And I'm afraid he's got another 
of your pet abominations, a brand-new motor. 

Ursula {sitting up very straight). A brand-new 
motor. 

Knock heard. 
Molly. That's his knock. 

Ursula rises. 
Oh, don't go, Ursula. 

Ursula. No, I'll wait a few moments. I think 
I left my gloves in your room ; I'll get them. 

Molly. All right ; I'll let him in. 

Exit l.c. 

Ursula (slowly). Fifteen hundred a year. (Looks 
at herself in the glass, putting her hair tidy. ) And what 
he makes. 

Glances at door L.c, then crosses room hurriedly to door 
r. Listens to voices off. 

Fifteen hundred a" year and a brand-new motor car. 

Exit door r. 

Enter Molly and Bobby from door l.c. 

Molly. I thought you'd have been here earlier, 
Bobby. I suppose your silly old motor had some- 
thing the matter with her carburettors or something 
and stopped on the way. 

Bobby. Don't abuse the car. She only stopped 
once, and that was because a cabby swore at her. She 
hates bad language. 

Molly. Sit down there by the fire. I'll take your 
coat. 

Bobby. Where are you going to sit ? 

Molly. I'm not going to sit anywhere. I'm 
going to make the tea. 

Bobby. Let me help you. (At fire.) Where's 
Mrs. Thomas ? Out ? 



12 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

Molly. Yes. 

Bobby (gets up). That's all right. Now what 
shall / do. I'm rather good at cutting bread and 
butter. 

Molly. There you are, then. 

Gives him loaf and butter at table. 

Bobby. This is the first time you've ever let me 
have tea alone with you since you came to London ; 
do you know that, Molly ? 

Molly. You're not going to have tea with me 
alone now. 

Bobby drops butter. 

Bobby. What do you mean ? 

Molly. My dear friend Ursula Hammond's here. 
She's in my room. She'll be out in a minute. (Sits.) 

Bobby. What a mean trick ! 

Molly. What's a mean trick ? 

Bobby. Having her here. I thought we were 
going to have a nice cosy little tea-party all to our- 
selves. Molly (takes her hand), why won't you ever 
let me see you alone nowadays ? 

Molly (pulling her hand away). The kettle's 
boiling. (Crosses to fireplace, r.) 

Bobby now gets the kettle and makes the tea. Bobby 
gets kettle in l. hand. 

Bobby. Oh — oh — it is hot. 

Molly. You've burnt yourself. 

Bobby. Yes, I have. It's very serious. 

(Pretends his hand is burnt). 

Changes hand and places slice of bread and butter over 
handle as sandwich — holding out burnt hand to 
Molly. 

Bobby (savagely cutting bread and butter again). 
Hang the kettle. (Comes l.c.) When am I going to see 
you alone, Molly ? 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 13 

Molly (at fireplace). I don't think there's any 
necessity for you to see me alone. 

Bobby. You don't want me to ask you to marry 
me before a roomful of people, do you ? 

Molly (bending over kettle). You've asked me that 
before and had your answer. 

Bobby. Do you think I'm going to take that 
answer ? Certainly not. I warn you. (Waving the 
knife). The very next time I meet you at the Green- 
ways or the Boyds I shall say — no matter how many 
people are in the room — " Molly Anstruther, when 
are you going to marry me?" 

Molly (tarns up). And I'll reply, Never, never, 
NEVER ! 

Bobby. That would be very foolish and quite 
untrue. 

Molly. It would be neither. 

Bobby. My good young woman, in the first place 
it would be foolish because it would provoke an argu- 
ment that wouldn't interest the other occupants of 
the room, and in the second place it would be untrue 
because sooner or later you've got to marry me. 

Molly (half -vexed). Bobby, you're not nice this 
afternoon. (Crosses to l.) I don't want you to talk 
about that. 

Bobby (quietly). I'll talk about whatever you 
please, dear. 

Molly. Go on cutting the bread and butter and 
I'll do the talking. I asked you here to-day to meet 
my dearest friend, Ursula Hammond. 

Bobby. Well ! 

Molly. I want you to be awfully nice to her. 
She has such a splendid character. I know lots of 
people say unkind things about her, but they don't 
know her as I do. She offends people because she 
always speaks the truth. 

Bobby. What an unpleasant person ! 

Molly. Oh, Bobby, don't be unkind. She's 



14 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

thoroughly honest, and I think honesty's everything. 
Don't you like honest people ? 

Bobby. Hum, I don't know that I care much 
about the candid friend who insists on pointing out 
your failings to you on all occasions. How's that 
for butter ? (Holding up a buttered slice.) 

Molly. And she's so awfully clever. 

Bobby. Clever ! (Drops knife, puts down bread.) 

Molly. Yes, she writes most beautiful poems. 

Bobby. Poems ! (Making for his coat.) Good 
Lord, I'm off ! 

Molly (running after him and pulling him back.) 
Bobby, come back. 

Bobby. My dear Molly, what on earth should I 
have to say to a poetess ? 

Molly. You'll get along beautifully if you'll 
only be nice and kind and your dear old self. 

Bobby. But I've never run up against a poetess 
before, you know, Molly. What on earth shall I 
talk about ? 

Molly. She'll do the talking and you'll be inter- 
ested. 

Bobby (doubtfully). Shall I ? 

Molly. Yes, but she hates the ordinary small-talk 
of society. She says the froth of conversation must 
be blown aside before one can partake of the draught 
of true intercourse. 

Bobby. Does she ? What does she mean ? It 
sounds as though it had something to do with beer. 
Poems ! I think I had better go, Molly. (Going 
towards door.) 

Molly. Bobby, how horrid you are ! You're 
not to go. 

Bobby. But suppose she tries any of those frothy 
things on me ? You'd better let me go, Molly. 
(Goes.) 

Molly. Bobby, I want you to stay, and I want 
you to be nice to her. Aren't you going to ? 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 15 

Bobby (turns and looks at her for a moment). I'll 
do just exactly what you please, dear. 
Molly. Dear old Bobby ! 

She puts out her hand and he takes it as the door opens 
and Ursula enters. Ursula coughs. Bobby 
drops Molly's hand and they turn. Ursula has 
curled her hair, changed into a pretty soft blouse, 
taken off her glasses and generally smartened herself 
up. Ursula is carrying her hat and coat. Lays 
them on table r. 

Molly. Oh, Ursula, this is Mr. Menteth — Miss 
Hammond. 

Bobby ' } ^ ow ^° ^ ou ^° ? {Advance c.) 
Molly crosses to fireplace. 

Ursula. I've heard a good deal about you, Mr. 
Menteth, from Molly. 

Bobby. I taught Molly to make her first mud pie, 
Miss Hammond. I hope she's shown her gratitude 
by telling you of all my good qualities. 

Molly. Indeed she hasn't. It was a very bad 
mud pie. Is the car outside ? (Tea-pot on table.) 

Bobby. Yes, I think I'll tell Timms he needn't 
wait. This east wind isn't exactly good for his 
rheumatism. Excuse me just a moment. 

Exit door c.l. All this time Molly has had her eyes 
fixed on Ursula, who looks unconscious. 

Molly. Why, you've altered your hair and curled 
it. 

Ursula (crossing to glass over mantelpiece r. and 
touching her hair). Have I ? 

Molly (admiringly). It suits you awfully well. 
And — isn't that my new blouse you've got on ? 

Ursula (turning and smiling). Yes, dear, I 
thought you wouldn't mind. Mine was such a dowdy 



16 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

old thing. I was afraid you'd feel ashamed of intro- 
ducing me to your Mr. Menteth. So I slipped into 
this. You don't mind, do you ? 

Molly. Of course not. It was sweet of you to 
think of it like that. I know how you hate the bother 
of dressing. You are really going to be nice to Bobby, 
aren't you ? 

Ursula. Yes, child ; if he's a friend of yours, that 
is quite recommendation enough for me. 

Molly (delighted). You dear old thing. 

Enter Bobby door l.c. 

Now let's have tea. Oh, I meant to make some 
toast. 

Ursula. Let me do that. 

Bobby. I'll help you. 

Molly. I'll cut the bread. 

Ursula stirs up fire kneeling in front of fireplace. 
Molly cuts bread and Bobby stands by her. 

Bobby. Mind my beautiful slices of bread and 
butter. 

Ursula. Did you cut the bread and butter, Mr. 
Menteth ? What a talented person ! 

Bobby (giving fork). That's about the only talent 
I have, Miss Hammond. I'm afraid you and Molly 
think me a horrid Philistine. (He gives bread.) 

Ursula. Oh, Molly's wrapped up in literature. 
(Kneeling. Toasting fork business.) 

Bobby. The only person I ever met who was 
wrapped up in literature was an old man in the Mile 
End Road. He wore five Daily Mails under his coat. 

Ursula (laughing delightedly). Oh, Mr. Menteth, 
how absurd you are ! Now, don't be frivolous ; come 
and help me with this toast. 

Bobby (takes the toast from her). Let me do it. 
The fire will scorch your face. 

Ursula (sighing resignedly). I shan't waste my 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 17 

time arguing with you. A man with your shaped 
chin is bound to have his own way in the end. {Sitting 
in chair.) 

Bobby. I wish you'd impress that on Molly. 
She doesn't believe it. 

Ursula. Oh, Molly's one of those independent 
spirits, and she'll never recognize that man must lead 
and woman follow. I believe all true women like to 
feel themselves dominated by a nature stronger than 
their own. 

Molly (puzzled). But you've always said (At 

table.) 

Ursula (laughing). Oh, Molly dear, don't contract 
that awful habit of reminding people of their past 
utterances. It's so boring. 

Molly (abruptly). Shall I put the sugar in for you ? 

Molly pouring out tea. 

Ursula. Thanks, dear. Tell me some more 
about the old man in the Mile End Road, Mr. Men- 
teth. I often wish I had more opportunity of going 
amongst the poor and helping them, but it's difficult 
for a woman. If one could only get hold of the 
children ! 

Bobby (eagerly). That's just it, Miss Hammond. 
Get hold of the children. 

Molly (putting Ursula's tea down beside her). 
The future thieves and murderers of the world, who 
ought to be got rid of somehow. 

Ursula (reproachfully). Molly, how can you 1 

Molly. Why, it's what you 

Molly up l. cupboard. 

Bobby. That's right, Miss Hammond. I wish 
you'd lecture Molly. She's always saying unkind 
things about the poor little beggars, simply because 
they're not tubbed every day. (At fire.) 



18 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

Ursula. Molly, isn't that rather cruel of you ! 
Poor little mites, how are they to blame ? 

Molly goes back and sits at table. 

Molly (coldly at table). I'm not the only person 
who says unkind things about them. 

Molly takes cup and crosses l. 

Bobby. (Sits in chair below fire.) You know, Miss 
Hammond, I own some tenement property in the 
East End and try to take an interest in the kiddies. 
I've asked Molly time after time to come down with 
me and see them, but she always says she wouldn't 
know what to say to them, or makes some silly excuse 
of that kind. 

Ursula (sitting footstool l.). Oh, I should love 
to (Stops.) 

Molly back to table. 

Bobby. Would you come down and see them ? 
Ursula. There's nothing I'd like so much. Oh, 
but I should bother you, I should be a nuisance. 

Molly back to l. of table. 

Bobby. Not a bit, I'd be delighted. I'm going 
down on Saturday. Could you come then ? I'll 
take you down on the car. 

Ursula. Oh, I should enjoy it so ; to try and 
brighten those little lives. 

Move from Molly. 

Bobby. That's a bargain, then. Will two o'clock 
do ? 

Ursula. Yes, beautifully. 

Molly plate in hand. Molly sits. 

Bobby. Where shall I call for you ? 
Ursula. 24, Penrhyn Place. 
Bobby. You really will come ? 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 19 

Ursula. Nothing shall stop me. 

Molly (very coldly from the table). Bobby, if 
there's any toast, perhaps you'd be kind enough to give 
me some. 

Bobby (jumping up and carrying toast to her). 
I'm so sorry ! (Behind table.) 

Molly (still very coldly). Oh, you needn't be. 

Ursula. Before Molly has that toast, she ought 
to sing us something. 

Molly. I don't feel like singing. 

Bobby (at piano). Molly, do. I don't often hear 
you sing now. 

Molly shakes her head. 

Ursula (cigarette case). Molly, don't be affected 
and refuse. 

Molly goes to piano. 

Bobby (up stage a). No song, no toast. (Sits 
chair c, light cigarettes.) 

Molly gets up silently, crosses to piano and begins. 
The others talk and laugh all through. Molly 
stops after first verse. Molly looks round at others 
now and again as she plays and sings. Business 
all through. 

Bobby. Thanks, Molly. But do you really think 
so, Miss Hammond ? 

Ursula. Yes, it's one of the finest books I ever 
read. Don't stop, Molly. 

Bobby. Sing that little song I like so much. You 
know the one. 

Molly (rising coldly). I've just sung it. 

Bobby. Have you ? 

Molly. Yes, but I think you were too busy 
talking to notice it. My toast, please. (Crosses L. to 
settee with toast.) 

Ursula (laughing). Oh, Molly, don't be so fear- 
fully severe. 



20 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

Molly sits down and eats her toast l. 

Bobby. Don't you think his style rather like 
Kipling's ? 

Ursula. Yes, but not so fine. 

Bobby. Oh, you're an admirer of Kipling's, 
Miss Hammond ? 

Molly. The Prophet of the drunken and debased. 

Ursula. You're in a very extraordinary mood 
to-day, Molly. Don't be so censorious. 

Bobby. I'm trying to educate Molly up to Kipling, 
Miss Hammond. Can't you help me ? 

Ursula. I'm afraid it's hopeless to try and change 
her opinion on that subject. 

Bobby turns suddenly and spills tea over Ursula's 
blouse. 

Bobby {jumps up). Miss Hammond! I aw sorry. 
What a clumsy brute I am. I can't tell you how 
sorry I am. 

Business with handkerchiefs. 
Ursula (sweetly). Oh, please don't worry. It's 
all right. 

Molly watching. 
Bobby. I don't know how I could have been such 
a fool. 

Ursula. Really, it's nothing at all. It's not of 
the least consequence. 

Molly (to herself). My blouse. (Breaks plate). 

They talk through it business. Bobby picks up 
plate and goes back. 

Bobby. What a careless girl ! 

Molly (rises c). We mustn't keep you, Ursula. 
Didn't you say you had an article to write or some- 
thing, and must get away early ? 

Ursula. Oh, that doesn't matter. 

Molly. I thought it was so very important. 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 21 

Ursula. Dear old Molly, I believe that's a gentle 
hint. I'll get my hat. (Crosses c.) 

Molly (hurriedly). Oh, please don't go. I only 
thought you wanted to. 

Bobby (rising). I think it's more like a hint for 
me. (Round r. of table.) Molly usually turns me out 
when she gets bored, don't you, Molly ? Good-bye, 
Miss Hammond, you won't forget about Saturday 
afternoon, will you ? 

Ursula holds his coat c. 

Oh, don't you bother, Miss Hammond. It's awfully 
good of you. 

Ursula. No, it isn't good, I like to help you. It's 
woman's duty to serve ; it's only when a woman is 
ill that a man should be the servant. I think you'd 
be very kind to a woman if she were ill, Mr. Menteth; 

Molly at the back turns to them, tapping boot. 

Bobby. Any man would be, wouldn't he ? 

Molly. Wouldn't he be rather a back -boneless 
person if he did, rather like a filleted plaice ? 

Ursula. Molly ! 

Bobby. Molly's evidently in one of her perverse 
moods to-night, Miss Hammond. Don't let her worry 
you. Good-bye. Two o'clock, 24, Penrhyn Place, 
on Saturday, don't forget. I'll be there with the car. 
Good-bye. 

Exit. As he goes out Ursula hums a little tune and 
crosses to the glass, gazes ad herself contentedly, turns 
to find Molly staring at her l. 

Molly. Well. (Down l.) 

Ursula (r. fireplace). Well. What on earth's 
the matter, Molly ? You look as cross as two 
sticks. 

Molly (trying to control her temper). I don't feel 
in the least cross, only a little surprised. 



22 HER DEAREST FRIEND. 

Ursula (putting her hat on before the glass). Really, 
what's surprised you ? 

Molly. You have. 

Ursula. I ? In what way ? 

Molly. By your sudden change of opinion on 
every subject while you talked to Mr. Menteth. 

Ursula. My dear child, what earthly business is 
it of yours what opinions I expressed to Mr. Menteth ? 

Molly (hotly). Mr. Menteth's my friend. I am 
not going to have him made a fool of. 

Ursula (turn). My dear child, Mr. Menteth is 
surely old enough to look after himself. It seems to 
me that you are annoyed because he paid me a little 
attention. 

Molly. I am not annoyed at all, and if I am it's 
simply because my only blouse is ruined. 

Ursula. Good gracious, that's nothing. I'll take 
it home and have it washed. (Cross L.) 

Molly (suddenly). You're — you're trying to take 
Bobby away from me ? 

Ursula. It didn't occur to me that he required 
much taking. 

Molly. But that's what you're doing. You 
knew we were fond — you knew we were great friends, 
and you deliberately tried to cut me out with him. 

Ursula. Please don't talk nonsense. You said 
you didn't love him, that nothing would induce you 
to marry him. Is the poor man to go through life a 
bachelor, then ? If I have attracted him, I can't 
help that. Besides, every woman has a perfect right 
to make a provision for her future. 

Molly. But there's no reason why you should 
make your provision out of my Bobby. 

Ursula. Your Bobby ? He didn't strike me as 
being altogether devoted. Good-bye. I hope you'll 
feel slightly better tempered next time we meet. 
I can get out this way, can't I ? (Pointing r.) I'll 
remember you to your Bobby on Saturday, shall I ? 
as we are going down in the car. Good-bye. 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 23 

Exit l. 
Molly. My Bobby. He isn't my Bobby any 
more. Cat, cat, CAT ! 

Suddenly bursts into tears at table. Sobs on. Knocking 
heard. Enter Bobby l.c. 

Bobby. The door was open, so I walked in. Did 
I leave my cigarette case here ? 

Molly dries her eyes. 
Molly, you're crying. 

Molly. I'm not. I'm not. 

He comes beside her and takes her hand. 
I've got something — something in my eye. 

Bobby. Molly, turn round and look at me. 

Molly (breaking away, crosses to fireplace). I 
won't. Why should I ? 

Bobby. Tell me what's the matter ? 

Molly. There isn't anything the matter. 

Bobby. Yes, there is. 

Molly (defiantly). Well, there is. I've just 
quarrelled with Ursula. (Up.) And she's a cat, a 
cat, a cat. (Crosses l.) 

Bobby. Molly, she isn't a cat. 

Molly. Oh no, of course I'm the cat for saying 
she's a cat. 

Bobby. Don't be spiteful, Molly. 

Molly. I will be spiteful if I want to. 

Bobby. She's a very charming and a very clever 

girl. 

Molly. Oh yes, she is clever, cleverer even than I 
thought she was. 

Bobby. And you asked me to be nice to her. 

Molly. Yes, but didn't ask you to — (cries) — 
to make love to her. (Crosses r., sits to table). 

Music. 
Bobby. Make love to her. Molly, what do you 
mean ? 



24 



HER DEAREST FRIEND. 



He puts his arms round her, she pushis him off. 
Molly. You asked me to sing. 

Bobby takes her in his arms.\ 

And you never listened. You spilt te^ over my 
blouse. She was wearing it, and you nevlr gave me 
any toast, and — oh, I hate you. \ 

Bobby. Molly, when are you going to marry me ? 

Molly. Never, never, I hate you ! You're going 
with her on the car on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. 

Bobby. Suppose I'm getting married instead at 
that time ? 

Molly (slowly). You couldn't go then, could you ? 

Bobby. No, certainly not. 

Molly. Bobby, you can go and get the special 
license to-morrow. 

Bobby. Dear old Molly ! 

Embrace. 



Curtain. 




DRAWING ROOM. 



mrai 



>fS^N^|V^f^^ 




Ouiv Kepi iij cue large size, liie back scene is 13 feet long and y feet higL .»iw e* 
tends with the Wings and Borders to 20 feet long and 11 J feet high. In the centre 
is a French window, leading down to the ground, On the left wing is a fireplace 
with mirror above, and on the right wing is an oil painting. The whole scene is 
tastefully orns uiented and beautifully coloured, forming a most elegant picture. 
The above is a representation of a box scene consisting of 38 sheets of paper, 
the extra sheets being used for the doors each side. 

£ s d. 
Back Scene. Border, and 1 Set of Wings, unmounted .. ..200 

Ditto, mounted 4 4 

Back Scen^, Border, with 2 Sets of Wings as above to form Box 

ScMne, unmounted 2 10 

. Ditto, mounted 5 6 



COTTAGE 




One copy del. to Cat. Div 






•e is a door 1 ading outside, 
entre is a window. On the 
e. The above is a re pre* en- 
ox Scene), but a Box Scene 
Prices and size same as 






NOV 22 1910 



FRENCH'S ACTING EDITION LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ch 



VOLUME 150 

2236 The Dentist 

2287 Taken for Granted 

2238 Just as Well 

2239 Hogmany 
224U Pansy 

2241 A Doctor's Engage- 

ments 

2242 A Duet 

2213 My Milliner's Bill, Is. 

2244 My Aunt from Cali- 

fornia 

2245 His Life for Hers 

2246 The Meeting 

2247 The Umbrella 

Duologue 

2248 The Late Lamented 

2249 Woman Triumphant 

2250 Angelina's Lover 

VOLUME 151 

2251 Chrysanthemums 

2252 My First Client 

2253 Punctured 

2254 Old Pals 

2255 Honeymoon Tragedy 

2256 Commission 

2257 Hal, the Highwayman 

2258 Dinner for Two 
2269 Ninth Waltz 

2260 Human Sport 

2261 Collaborators 

2262 Mere Man 

2263 Packing Up 

2264 Paving Guest 

2265 'finery Brown 

VOLUME 152 
226<S The Jilt 

2267 'Op-o'-Me-Thumb 

2268 A Marriage Has Been 

Arranged 

2269 Carrots 

2270 Conversion of Nat 

Sturge 



2271 Cleria 

2272 Aubre 

2273 Workt 

2274 Two oi 

2275 Bridge 

2276 That I 

2277 Well 1 

2278 Maker ui mw 

2279 Gutter of Time 

2280 Game of Chess 




Martha 



se's Do- 

014 430 646 6 > . , 

Aunt 
Taicinda 
2310 Uncle Dick's Darling 



VOLUME 153 

2281 Mr. Steinmann'o 

Corner 

2282 Ella's Apology 

2283 Colour Sergeant 

2284 Helpless Couple 

2285 First Aid to the 

Wounded 

2286 Correct Thing 

2287 Their New Paying 

Guest 

2288 Domestic Entangle- 

ment 

2289 Salt of Life 

2290 Time is Money 

2291 Wally and the Widow 

2292 Deceitful Miss Smiths 

2293 Holly Tree Inn 

2294 Up-to-date 

2295 Bit of Old Chelsea 

VOLUME 154 

2296 Wrong Side of the 

Road 

2297 The Open Door 

2298 Prima Donna (Pem- 

berton) 

2299 Lights Out (Pern berton) 

2300 Mirror of Time 

2301 Three Blind Mice 

(Muskerry) 

2302 Privy Council 

2303 Snowed up with a 

Duchess 



VOLUME 155 

2311 That Horrid Major 

2312 Bardwell v. Pickwick 

2313 House of Nightingales 

2314 Turtle Dovee [der 

2315 Superior Miss Pellen- 

2316 His Good Genius 

2317 Martha Plays the Fairy 

2318 Dumb Cake 

2319 Proposing by Proxy 

2320 Phonnix 

2321 Boatswain's Mate 

2322 Final Rehearsal 

2323 Two Aunts at a Time 

2324 Nelson Touch 

2325 Convict on the Hearth 

VOLUME 156 

2326 Grey Parrot 

2327 Ghost of Jerry Bundler 

2328 Bishop's Candlesticks 

2329 Peacemaker 

2330 Changeling 

2331 Wire Entanglement 

2332 Pride of Regiment 

2333 "1588" 

2334 Man on the Kerb 

2335 O'Dowd 

2336 Impertinence of the 

Creature 

2337 Dramatist at Home 

2338 Martha the Soothsayer 

2339 Oid Martha Is. 

2340 All Through Martha Is. 



AN AMERICAN CITIZEN 
BILLY'S LITTLE LOVE 

AFFAIR 
BRACE OF PARTRIDGES 
BRIXTON BUKGLARY 
CAPTAIN SWIFT 
CASSIL1S ENGAGEMENT 
CHARITY THAT BEGAN 

AT HOME 
COUNTRY MOUSE 
DR. WAKE'S PATIENT 
FACING THE MUSIC 
FASCINATING MR. VAN- 

DERVELDT 
IDLER. 
IMPORTANCE OF BEING 

EARNEST 
IN CHANCERY 
JEDBURY JUNIOR 



BARRIER 

BUILDER OF BRIDGES 

CAVE OF ILLUSION 

DANCING GIRL 

HYPOCRITES 

JOSEPH ENTANGLED 



Is. 6d. net Edition 

LADY HUNTWORTH'S 

EXPERIMENT 
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FAN 
LIBERTY HALL 
LUCKY MISS DEAN 
MARRIAGE OF KITTY 
MICE AND MEN 
MISS ELIZABETH'S 

PRISONER 
MISS HOBBS 
MOLLENTRAVE ON 

WOMEN 
MR. HOPKINSGN 
NEW BOY 
NIOBE 

OH ! SUSANNAH ! 
i ONE SUMMER'S DAY 
I PARVENU 

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SUNLIGHT & SHADOW 
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WALKER. LONDON 
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TWENTY-ONE 
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MOLLENTRAVE ON 

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